Notable Moments
[Facebook Archive] Gems of The Inamori Library: The Inamori Collection Meissen Design
September 6, 2021
For this feature, we'll be introducing you to gems from The Inamori Library's exhibits. This time, we're spotlighting the "Inamori Collection Meissen Design" found in the "Technology and Management" section on the 2nd floor. This is one of the most eye-catching exhibits on the floor, but what were Inamori's thoughts behind its brilliance?
Inamori was fascinated by the beautiful translucency of high-purity alumina ceramics baked at high temperatures and the smooth touch of its fine-grained composition. Having noticed the "beauty" of such ceramics, Inamori had, since the founding of the company, continuously wondered whether fine ceramics could be used for decorative objects or craftworks. Through repeated trial and error, he developed polycrystalline alumina with a beautiful red and blue luster in 1974. After further improvements, he created the "Inamori Collection Meissen Design" by applying Germany's Meissen porcelain painting to high-purity alumina porcelain, which has a transparent gloss and deep color.
When the press release was made in November 1997, it was praised for its fusion of advanced technology and art, and it was later collected and exhibited at the German Meissen Porcelain Museum. Inamori expressed his feelings at the time as follows:
"I had a big dream ever since I began studying fine ceramics. I wanted to create a new 'vessel' using gemstones such as rubies and sapphires born from my own technology. I also wanted to release something that could be called a modern "gemstone vessel," which would be painted on and greatly appreciated by people all over the world. With the cooperation of the Meissen Company in Germany, my lifelong dream has come true, and I can now present it to everyone. I hope from the bottom of my heart that these works, born from the encounter of cutting-edge fine ceramic materials and world-class Meissen painting, will be loved by many people and remain engraved in history for a long time as new works of art." (From a leaflet distributed at an event in 1998)
